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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (February 18, 2009) – Dr. John Wakefield, professor of music at Milligan College, will perform a lecture-recital on Christian hymns Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Walker Auditorium of Seeger Memorial Chapel located on the Milligan College campus.
A student of hymnody since his youth, Wakefield is a collector of hymnals and conducts presentations on the history of hymnody. His performance will include musical selections from different eras, including German chorales, English hymns, American gospel songs and spirituals.
“These tunes and texts have great stories behind them and the stories are worth telling,” Wakefield said. “They are still powerful songs for the church.”
Wakefield conducts the Milligan College Concert Choir and also teaches voice, music and worship courses. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill., and a master of music degree from Northwestern University School of Music in Evanston, Ill. He earned his doctorate at University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. Wakefield also studied at Yale University, Christ Church College in Oxford, Fuller Theological Seminary and Emmanuel School of Religion.
Wakefield is a life member of the Hymn Society of the United States and the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. He also is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Additionally, he is the founder of the Association of Christian College Music Educators and a three-time president of the National Church Music Conference.
The recital is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Milligan College music office at 423.461.8723.